North Korea REJECTS Talks

North Korean flag with missile silhouettes.

Kim Jong Un’s latest cruise missile test snubs President Trump’s diplomatic overtures, escalating threats to American allies and forces in Asia.

Story Snapshot

North Korea launched multiple long-range strategic cruise missiles on December 28, 2025, from near Pyongyang, flying over two hours before striking targets.
Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test, calling it a display of “combat readiness” and vowing unlimited nuclear development.
Missiles capable of hitting U.S. bases in Japan signal direct threat amid ignored Trump meeting offers.
Test responds to U.S.-South Korea submarine cooperation, heightening Indo-Pacific tensions.

Test Details and Kim’s Oversight

North Korean forces fired multiple long-range strategic cruise missiles at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time on December 28, 2025, from the Sunan area near Pyongyang. The missiles followed predetermined low-altitude trajectories over the Yellow Sea, flying for 10,199 and 10,203 seconds before precisely striking targets. Kim Jong Un observed the launch, confirming the success of this counterattack posture drill. State media KCNA reported the event on December 29, emphasizing nuclear deterrent reliability. These cruise missiles, unlike ballistic variants, evade radar and reach about 2,000 km, targeting Korean Peninsula sites and U.S. installations in Japan.

Response to U.S.-South Korea Military Moves

Pyongyang frames the test as a self-defense measure against South Korea-U.S. actions, including President Trump’s mid-December approval of Seoul’s nuclear-powered submarine plans. The U.S. Navy’s USS Greenville docked in Busan, which North Korea condemned as a sovereignty violation. Just last week, North Korea unveiled its 8,700-tonne nuclear submarine and conducted a surface-to-air missile test over the East Sea. Kim inspected munitions enterprises, approving missile and artillery upgrades. These steps align with preparations for the 2026 Workers’ Party congress, projecting regime strength despite Trump’s earlier regional tour expressing interest in a meeting, which went unanswered.

Stakeholder Reactions and Regional Tensions

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launches and condemned them as destabilizing regional peace. Kim described the drills as responsible self-defense checks, pledging total effort for a nuclear combat force. Analyst Yang Moo-jin noted the missiles counter submarine deals and could strike U.S. bases in Japan. This marks the second Kim-overseen cruise test in a week, part of sporadic efforts since 2021 to build asymmetric nuclear delivery capabilities. Tensions rise over Yellow Sea flights, potentially disrupting maritime traffic and prompting allied vigilance.

Short-term, the test heightens Korean Peninsula alertness; long-term, it advances North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, straining U.S.-allied dynamics. Pyongyang ignores sanctions and diplomatic signals, prioritizing military buildup. This escalation underscores the need for strong deterrence to protect American interests abroad, as President Trump’s peace initiatives face rejection from dictators.

Strategic Implications for U.S. Security

The successful precision strikes validate North Korea’s cruise missile guidance and nuclear readiness, fueling an Indo-Pacific arms race. U.S. forces in Japan and the region face elevated risks from these low-flying weapons designed for Korean targets. Economically, the buildup reinforces sanctions while diverting DPRK resources to defense. Politically, it dismisses Trump’s overtures, complicating stability efforts. South Korea warns of further tests, with no immediate additional launches reported as of December 29.